If you have spent any amount of time on this site, you will know that I love sour cream. It is so darn versatile.
I use it in dips, dressings, and baked goods. Yes, I really should create a recipe for using sour cream in a cake. I will get around to it, I promise.
However, it is highly perishable and can cause food poisoning if left out of the refrigerator for too long. So, how long can sour cream sit out at room temperature, and what are the risks of consuming it after it has been left out?
Let’s make this quick.
Key Takeaways
- Sour cream should not be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours.
- The length of time that sour cream can sit out depends on the room temperature.
- Sour cream that has been left out for too long can cause food poisoning.
How Long Can Sour Cream Sit Out at Room Temperature?
According to the US FDA, sour cream can sit out at room temperature for up to two hours but there is a bit of a catch. After that time, harmful bacteria can start to grow, and the risk of food poisoning increases.
BUT, the length of time that sour cream can sit out depends on the room temperature. If the room is warmer than 90°F, sour cream should not be left out for more than an hour.
And look, the odds of your house being that hot isn’t that high but a rule of thumb for me is to make sure that I don’t keep that container of sour cream near a heat source such as the oven. I say this because I get distracted and there has been a time, if I am honest, that I left an opened container of sour cream near the stovetop while I was cooking. When I realized this, it kinda freaked me out and I had to make a judgment call.
Also, I live in Texas and it gets hot. I worry that if it takes me too long to get home on a hot day, will my sour cream be ok? Hot Tip (pun intended), put your dairy in the front seat near the A/C.
Here are the super duper specific rules for how long sour cream should be out:
As a dairy product, sour cream can go bad if left out at room temperature for too long. The length of time that sour cream can sit out depends on the temperature of the room. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, sour cream should not sit out for longer than two hours in temperatures below 90°F (32°C). If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), sour cream should not sit out for more than one hour.
What about dishes that contain sour cream?
Yep, the same rule still applies. It’s important to note that the two-hour rule applies not only to regular sour cream but also to recipes that include sour cream as an ingredient. For example, if you’re making a dip that contains sour cream, you should not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.That feels obvious but consider that if you are making sour cream chicken enchiladas, the same 2 hour rule applies.
To ensure that your sour cream stays fresh and safe to eat, it’s best to keep it refrigerated at all times. If you’re serving sour cream as a condiment at a party or gathering, it’s a good idea to put it on ice to keep it cool.
In summary, sour cream should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours if the temperature is below 90°F (32°C) and no more than one hour if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). To keep sour cream fresh and safe to eat, always refrigerate it and don’t leave it out at room temperature for extended periods.
I Left Sour Cream Out Overnight, Is It OK?
If you left sour cream out overnight, it is not safe to consume. The ideal temperature for bacterial growth is between 40°F and 140°F. When sour cream is left at room temperature for multiple hours or overnight, the bacteria have the ideal conditions to grow and multiply, which can lead to foodborne illness.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, sour cream should not sit out longer than two hours at temperatures below 90°F, and one hour at temperatures above 90°F. If you know that your sour cream has been left out for longer than this, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of food poisoning.
It is essential to remember that food safety is crucial, and taking risks with perishable foods can have severe consequences. If you have any doubts about the safety of your sour cream, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
To prevent sour cream from spoiling, always store it in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. If you are serving sour cream at a party or gathering, it is best to keep it refrigerated until just before serving and then return it to the refrigerator immediately after use.
In summary, leaving sour cream out overnight is not safe, and it is best to discard it if you have any doubts about its safety. Always store sour cream in the refrigerator and follow food safety guidelines to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Tips To Tell If Sour Cream Is Bad
As someone who loves sour cream, I always make sure to check if it has gone bad before consuming it. Here are some tips to help you tell if your sour cream has gone bad:
- Check the expiration date: Sour cream has a limited shelf life, and it is important to check the expiration date before consuming it. According to the USDA, sour cream (opened or unopened) is good for up to three weeks after the sell-by date, as long as it’s been stored in the refrigerator.
- Look for mold: If you see mold on the surface of the sour cream, it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately. Mold can be dangerous and can cause illness if consumed.
- Smell it: If the sour cream smells sour or rancid, it has gone bad and should not be consumed. Fresh sour cream has a tangy aroma, and any unpleasant odor is a sign that it has gone bad.
- Check the texture: If the sour cream is lumpy or has a watery consistency, it has gone bad and should not be consumed. Fresh sour cream should be smooth and creamy.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sour cream is safe to eat and avoid any potential health risks. Remember to always store sour cream in the refrigerator and to discard it if it has gone bad.
The bottom line
First, the key to keeping sour cream fresh is to keep it cold. It shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours. If it set out in extreme heat for 2 hours, check it to see if it is still good. If you left your sour cream sitting out overnight, it is no longer any good.
